Container for a government regulated product having a child resistant lid

ABSTRACT

Provided is a container for storing, preserving, identifying, tracking and transporting a federally controlled substance having a child resistant and senior friendly lid, and a process for identifying and tracking federally controlled substances within the re-sealable containers. The federally controlled substance containers include a two-piece child resistant and senior friendly lid and a 2-factor authentication identification tag, as well as a microchip for identifying the container controlled substance contents and tracking the container. Controlled substance contents within the containers are optimized for long term storage by removal of the oxygen therein, and the containers and controlled substance contents can be readily identified, detected, tracked and traced after being filled with a federally controlled substance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application provides a re-sealable container for storing,preserving, identifying, tracking and transporting a federallycontrolled substance having a child resistant and senior friendly lid,and a process for identifying and tracking federally controlledsubstances within the re-sealable containers. In particular, there-sealable federally controlled substance containers include atwo-piece child resistant lid and a 2-factor authenticationidentification tag, as well as a microchip for identifying there-sealable container controlled substance contents and tracking thecontainer. Controlled substance contents within the re-sealablecontainers are optimized for long term storage by removal of the oxygentherein, and the containers and contents can be readily identified,detected, tracked and traced after being filled with a federallycontrolled substance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A controlled substance is generally a drug or chemical whosemanufacture, possession, or use is regulated by a government. Controlledsubstances are substances that are the subject of legislative control.This may include illegal drugs and prescription medications. In theUnited States for example, the Controlled Substances Act (or CSA) waspassed by the 91^(st) US Congress as Title II of the Comprehensive DrugAbuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 and signed into law byPresident Richard Nixon. The CSA is the federal US drug policy underwhich the manufacture, importation, possession, use and distribution ofcontrolled substances is regulated. In the US, the Drug EnforcementAdministration (DEA) is responsible for suppressing illegal drug use anddistribution by enforcing the Controlled Substances Act.

Section 812 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.)(CSA) lists substances which were controlled in 1970 when the law wasenacted. Since then, approximately 160 substances have been added,removed, or transferred from one schedule to another. The currentofficial list of controlled substances can be found in section 1308 ofthe most recent issue of Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part1300 to end (21 CFR § 1308) and the final rules which were published inthe Federal Register subsequent to the issuance of the CFR. Thefollowing link contains a full listing of the current federallyControlled Substances defined by the DEA, as of Jan. 5, 2018:https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/c_cs_alpha.pdf.

This list describes the basic or parent chemical and do not describe thesalts, isomers and salts of isomers, esters, ethers and derivativeswhich may be controlled substances. These lists are intended as generalreferences and are not comprehensive listings of all controlledsubstances. Please note that a substance need not be listed as acontrolled substance to be treated as a Schedule I substance forcriminal prosecution. A controlled substance analogue is a substancewhich is intended for human consumption and is structurally orpharmacologically substantially similar to or is represented as beingsimilar to a Schedule I or Schedule II substance and is not an approvedmedication in the United States. (See 21 U.S.C. § 802(32)(A) for thedefinition of a controlled substance analogue and 21 U.S.C. § 813 forthe schedule).

Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs areclassified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending uponthe drug's acceptable medical use and the drug's abuse or dependencypotential. The abuse rate is a determinate factor in the scheduling ofthe drug; for example, Schedule I drugs are considered the mostdangerous class of drugs with a high potential for abuse and potentiallysevere psychological and/or physical dependence. As the drug schedulechanges—Schedule II, Schedule III, etc., so does the abusepotential—Schedule V drugs represents the least potential for abuse. AListing of drugs and their schedule are located at Controlled SubstanceAct (CSA) Scheduling or CSA Scheduling by Alphabetical Order. Theselists describe the basic or parent chemical and do not necessarilydescribe the salts, isomers and salts of isomers, esters, ethers andderivatives which may also be classified as controlled substances. Theselists are intended as general references and are not comprehensivelistings of all controlled substances.

Note that a substance need not be listed as a controlled substance to betreated as a Schedule I substance for criminal prosecution. A controlledsubstance analogue is a substance which is intended for humanconsumption and is structurally or pharmacologically substantiallysimilar to or is represented as being similar to a Schedule I orSchedule II substance and is not an approved medication in the UnitedStates. (See 21 U.S.C. § 802(32)(A) for the definition of a controlledsubstance analogue and 21 U.S.C. § 813 for the schedule).

Schedule I

Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with nocurrently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. ScheduleI drugs are the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules withpotentially severe psychological or physical dependence. Some examplesof Schedule I drugs are: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD),marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy),methaqualone, and peyote.

Schedule II

Schedule II drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with ahigh potential for abuse, less abuse potential than Schedule I drugs,with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physicaldependence. These drugs are also considered dangerous. Some examples ofSchedule II drugs are: cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone,hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), oxycodone (OxyContin),fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Ritalin.

Schedule III

Schedule III drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with amoderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.Schedule III drugs abuse potential is less than Schedule I and ScheduleII drugs but more than Schedule IV. Some examples of Schedule III drugsare: Combination products with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodoneper dosage unit (Vicodin), Products containing less than 90 milligramsof codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolicsteroids, and testosterone.

Schedule IV

Schedule IV drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with alow potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Some examples ofSchedule IV drugs are: Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan,Talwin, and Ambien.

Schedule V

Schedule V drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs withlower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparationscontaining limited quantities of certain narcotics. Schedule V drugs aregenerally used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes.Some examples of Schedule V drugs are: cough preparations with less than200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters (Robitussin AC),Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, and Parepectolin.

The transport and sales of federally controlled substances, hereinaftersimply referred to as “controlled substances,” has generally in the pastbeen handled through pharmaceutical suppliers but with several stateslooking at the legalized sales of products like Marijuana there is agreat need to identify, control, track and document these sales.

Containers carrying controlled substances should be readily identifiableboth by sight and odor. Dogs are often used to locate these items, butif they are sealed where the air and moisture in the container isreplaced with an inert gas along with a dehumidifying agents beforesealing, dogs might not be able to locate these items. Identifying odormaterials can be attached directly to the outside of the container or tothe label. There are other various ways to identify these containerslike colorization of the containers and their labels, bar coding andmicrochips either on the inside or affixed to the outside.

Problems will definitely arise from the transport of these materialsfrom a state that legalizes it to a state where its possession is stillillegal. Clearly identifying these containers will help to alleviatesome of these problems. If states that legalize the sales of controlledsubstances like Marijuana would stipulate that it is only to be sold inan identifiable sealed container, there could be a greater control ofits propagation, sales and the state taxes paid. With the legalizationand controlled sales, the price would come down so that it would not beprofitable for the illegal growing of the products.

Numerous innovations for pharmaceutical products have been provided inthe prior art that are described as follows. Even though theseinnovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes towhich they address, they differ from the present design as hereinaftercontrasted. The following is a summary of those prior art patents mostrelevant to this application at hand; as well as a description outliningthe difference between the features of the canning process of controlledsubstances and the prior art.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,144 of David C. Blakley describes a belt worn andreadily portable medical supply pouch for holding a supply of drugcontainers in a temperature stable and contamination resistantenvironment is disclosed. A substantially rectangular housing fabricatedfrom a thick insulating material comprising a bottom, two side panels, afront and a back panel with an open top. A housing thus formed defines acavity therein for storing a supply of drug cartridges. A protectivepanel extending across the opening of the housing and angled downwardinto the cavity is provided to prevent contamination from entering thecavity, while providing access by the hand of a user through the openingand down into the cavity for retrieving one of the drug containers. Thehousing is covered inside and out by a water-proof andcontamination-resistant nylon material. Two belt loop members areaffixed to the back panel of the housing for attaching the pouch to thewaist belt of a user. An internal pocket inside the cavity of thehousing is provided for containing a heating element for heating theinterior cavity. An outside auxiliary pocket is attached to the outsidesurface of the front panel for storing items not requiring an insulatedand contamination free environment.

This patent describes a belt worn and readily portable medical supplypouch for holding a supply of drug containers. It does not describe asingle sealed container for a controlled substance like Marijuana.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,474 Georan Wessberg tells of an invention thatrelates to a medicament storage device which includes a storage platehaving a plurality of storage spaces for storing quantities, such asmedicament dosages and a base unit which has a memory and an alarmfunction. The device is characterized in that the openings of respectivestorage spaces are provided with a closure means in the form of a longand a short flap which overlap one another and which are either springmounted or consist of elastic material. The flap overlap regions includeindicating means which illustrate in which direction passage hasoccurred through the opening and/or with detecting means which produce asignal relating to the direction of the last passage through theopening.

This patent tells of an invention that relates to a medicament storagedevice which includes a storage plate having a plurality of storagespaces for storing quantities, such as medicament dosages. It again doesnot describe a single sealed container for a controlled substance likeMarijuana.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,219 of Paul McClure et al. relates to a productinformation label system having a base member and a foldout medicalinformation pamphlet which is applied to medicinal and drug containerswhere the foldout pamphlet is resealable for subsequent use.

This patent relates to a product information label system and does notdeal with any form of containment means.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,793,081 Jay S. Derman describes a locking neck ringdevice that is placed over a capped bottle or container and grips thebottle neck ring, and together with a padlock or other securing means,prevents access to the bottle cap. The locking device comprises a clampmember that jackets a capped bottle neck; a cover which fits over theclamp member causing it to clamp on to the neck below the neck ring, andmeans to hold the clamp member to the cover. Provision is made forattaching a padlock or other securing means which holds the locking ringdevice in place. The bottle or container cap can then not be accessedfor removal. The device is applicable to all sizes of drug containers,wine and liquor bottles for effectively locking access to the containercontents.

This patent describes a locking neck ring device that is placed over acapped bottle or container and grips the bottle neck ring. It does notwith any specific containment means.

None of these previous efforts, however, provides the benefits attendantwith the process of canning a controlled substance and do not mentionthe use of an inert gas as a means of providing long-term storage. Thepresent process of canning a controlled substance achieves its intendedpurposes, objects and advantages over the prior art through a new,useful and unobvious combination of method steps and component elementsat a reasonable cost and by employing readily available materials.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of thecanning a controlled substance in detail it is to be understood that theprocess is not limited to just a specific process set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The canningprocess of controlled substances is capable of having other embodimentsand of being applied in various ways. In addition, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are forthe purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Assuch, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, uponwhich this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis forcreating other processes for carrying out the several purposes of thepresent application. It is important, therefore, that the claims beregarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they donot depart from the spirit and scope of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principal advantage of the re-sealable container for the storage,preservation, identification, tracking and transport of a federallycontrolled substance having a child resistant lid is to preserve thecontents of the container, control the access to the container, controlthe humidity in sealed containers, and enable identification of thecontainer contents.

Another advantage of the re-sealable container and process for thestorage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance is to control the access to the containerby including a child resistant lid.

Another advantage of the re-sealable container and process for thestorage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance is to control the humidity within thesealed container through the use of 2-way humidity control packets.

Another advantage of the re-sealable container and process for thestorage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance is the option of the removal of theoxygen and moisture prior to sealing, and alternatively, flooding thecontainer with an inert gas prior to sealing.

Another advantage of the re-sealable container and process for thestorage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance is that with an external odor substance,dogs will be able to locate it.

Another advantage of the re-sealable container and process for thestorage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance is that they can have a micro-chip on theinside or outside for product locating.

Another advantage of the re-sealable container and process for thestorage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance is the use of an electronically readableidentification tag on the outside for container content productidentification.

Another advantage in the re-sealable container and process for thestorage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance is that a variety of different BPA-free,BPS-free and BPF-free materials are used in the construction of thecontainer.

Another advantage is that unlined metal cans can be used as there-sealable container for the storage, preservation, identification,tracking and transport of a federally controlled substance when anorganic (paper, cloth or rice cake) liner is used in the packing of thecontainer and the organic liner is positioned between the can contentsand the metal can and where the organic (paper, cloth or rice cake)liners are constructed of recyclable eco-friendly materials.

Another advantage of the re-sealable container and process for thestorage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance is that an inexpensive form container canbe made in different sizes and shapes, including metal cans, lined metalcans, plastic containers, etc.

Yet another advantage of the container and process for the storage,preservation, identification, tracking and transport of a federallycontrolled substance is it can use a variety of different childresistant lids that are also senior friendly in that they are difficultfor children to open yet relatively easy for seniors to open.

These together with other advantages in the container and process forthe storage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance, along with the various features ofnovelty, which characterize the process, are pointed out withparticularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of thisdisclosure. For a better understanding of the container and process forthe storage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance and its operating advantages and thespecific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to theaccompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there areillustrated preferred and alternate embodiments of the container andprocess for the storage, preservation, identification, tracking andtransport of a federally controlled substance. There has thus beenoutlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the containerand process for the storage, preservation, identification, tracking andtransport of a federally controlled substance in order that the detaileddescription there of that follows may be better understood, and in orderthat the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.There are additional features of the container and process for thestorage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance that will be described hereinafter andwhich will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The preferred embodiment of re-sealable container and process for thestorage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance will be placing the controlled substanceinto the preformed metal container with a 2-way humidity control deviceon the inside and an identification label on the outside. The processwill begin by inserting a controlled substance and 2-way humiditycontrol packet, preferably a disc packet device or a pillow-shapedpacket device. If a microchip is desired within the container it is putin before inserting the controlled substance. The controlled substanceis then sealed inside the container and the container is fitted with achild resistant lid. All of the different configurations of containingthe controlled substance within numerous container embodiments, and withnumerous child resistant lid configurations will be covered within thescope of this application.

If the container and process for the storage, preservation,identification, tracking and transport of a federally controlledsubstance in an inert atmosphere is desired the container is placed intoa vacuum chamber. The chamber doors are closed and a vacuum ofapproximately 26-29 inches of mercury is drawn on the chamber. Thisremoves all of the atmosphere/oxygen and atmospheric moisture that maybe present. The vacuum is then halted, and the chamber is thenoptionally flooded with gaseous nitrogen. The gas is inert and dry,creating a benign atmosphere inside the container and around thecontrolled substance. This dry, inert environment now created inside thecontainer will arrest the degradation of the controlled substance. Theshelf life/storage time created by this process should give thecontrolled substance stored inside the container almost an unlimitedlife regardless of the environment outside the container. Thisapplication is not limited to gaseous nitrogen. Alternate methods caninclude liquid nitrogen, oxygen absorbers along with other inert gasessuch as carbon dioxide, helium, and argon. Any process used to create aninert/benign atmosphere while canning the controlled substances will becovered within the scope of this application.

After the evacuation/flooding process is complete the chamber doors areopened and the container, filled with nitrogen, is pushed out andimmediately put through the conventional canning seaming process. Thenitrogen gas that is in the container at this time is very heavy, dense,and cold and is not naturally trying to diffuse into the air in the roomallowing for a reasonable amount of time to apply a lid and seal thecontainer. An alternate method of packaging would be to simply place thecontrolled substance in the container with a 2-way humidity controlpacket and hermetically seal the container.

After the container has been sealed and the child resistant lid placedon the container, an identifying tag can be adhered directly to thecontainer or the container label. If an external microchip or radiofrequency identification tag (RFID) is desired it can be adhered to theoutside of the can or be incorporated into a plastic removable lockingring around the top of the can. The label can also have an identifyingbar code imprinted on it or the bar code can be printed on the can. Thepreferred identification tag will be electronically readable, will have2-factor or 3-factor authentication properties, and when readelectronically will indicate the contents of the container along withother relevant data about the source, origin, species, brand, netweight, and any number of other characteristics not readily discernedwithout opening the sealed container.

An alternate embodiment of the of the re-sealable container and processfor the storage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport ofa federally controlled substance would be the use of an organic (paper,cloth or rice cake) liner inserted within an unlined metal cancontainer. The organic (paper, cloth or rice cake) liner insert would bepositioned between the metal can and the controlled substance contents.In this way, a less expensive unlined metal can container may beemployed, and the more expensive enamel lined metal can is thenoptional.

Additionally, a two-piece child resistant lid can be mounted on thecontainer to control access to the re-sealable container after theplacement of a controlled substance inside. This child resistant lidwill also be senior friendly in that it will be both difficult forchildren to open but relatively easy for seniors to open.

Furthermore, in the process of canning the controlled substances formaximized preservation, the oxygen may be removed from the re-sealablecontainer during the process in one of four ways: (1) injection into there-sealable container of inert gas before hermetically sealing thecontainer; (2) flooding the re-sealable container with inert gas beforesealing the re-sealable container; (3) passing the re-sealable containerunder a free flowing stream of inert gas before sealing the re-sealablecontainer; and (4) addition of an oxygen absorber packet into thecontainer before sealing the re-sealable container.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of this application,to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function andmanner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent andobvious to one skilled in the art. All equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification intend tobe encompassed by the present disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing isconsidered as illustrative only of the principles of the container andprocess for the storage, preservation, identification, tracking andtransport of a federally controlled substance. Further, since numerousmodifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in theart, it is not desired to limit the design to the exact construction andoperation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitablemodifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within thescope of this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the process of canning acontrolled substance and together with the description, serve to explainthe principles of this application.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a tamper-resistant easy opencontainer configured to contain a controlled substance and enableidentification of the internal contents of such container cut awayillustrating a microchip on the bottom of the can with a 2-way humiditycontrol device on the top of the controlled substance contained by thecan, having a re-sealable plastic lid shown above.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a disc shaped 2-way humiditycontrol device having a plurality of holes therein.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a tamper-resistant easy opencontainer configured to contain a controlled substance and enableidentification of the internal contents of such container cut awayillustrating the container completely filled with the controlledsubstance with the plastic lid shown above.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a tamper-resistant easy opencontainer configured to contain a controlled substance and enableidentification of the internal contents of such container cut awayillustrating the controlled substance on the bottom of the containerwith a pillow-shaped 2-way humidity control device sealed within thecontainer, having a barcode on the label and the plastic lid shownabove.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a tamper-resistant easy opencontainer configured to contain a controlled substance and enableidentification of the internal contents of such container cut awayillustrating the controlled substance on the bottom of the containerwith an organic (paper, cloth or rice cake) liner positioned between thecontainer and the controlled substance in the container, and the plasticlid shown above.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a tamper-resistant easy open linedsealed container configured to contain a controlled substance and enableidentification of the internal contents of such container using astandard label with the controlled substance in the lined sealedcontainer.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a tamper-resistant easy open sealedcontainer configured to contain a controlled substance and enableidentification of the internal contents of such container with theplastic removable locking ring incorporating a microchip secured by theplastic removable locking ring and having an electronically readableidentification (ID) tag having 3 elements of authentication thereon.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross section of a tamper-resistant easy open containerconfigured to contain a controlled substance and enable identificationof the internal contents of such container with a crimped edge on thebottom as well as the top. It should be understood that a conventionalthree-part metal can could be used, with or without a pop-top feature(if a conventional three-part metal can is used without atamper-resistant easy open “pop-top” feature, then it would necessitatea can opener be used to open the can to make the contents accessible),also having a pillow-shaped 2-way humidity control device sealed withinthe container.

FIG. 9 depicts a cross section of the preferred embodiment of theassembled 2-piece child resistant (and senior friendly) can lid in placeover the top of the re-sealable container for a controlled substanceconventional can.

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of two re-sealable containers with the childresistant (and senior friendly) can lid stacked one on top of the otherhaving the upper can with the two parts of the indicator section in thecan opening position and the lower can with the indicator sectionseparated in the can locked position.

FIG. 11 depicts an alternate embodiment of the re-sealable containerhaving a child resistant (and senior friendly) can lid illustrating aside view of a conventional can incorporating the 2-piece childresistant lid.

FIG. 12 depicts a cross section through an assembled alternateembodiment of the re-sealable container having a child resistantcontainer lid illustrating the locking nib section and the can lockingmember with the addition of a lid section securing unit.

FIG. 13 depicts a bottom perspective view of the top piece of a childresistant lid for a re-sealable container.

FIG. 14 depicts a top view of an alternate embodiment of a re-sealablecontainer illustrating a child resistant lid bottom piece in place on acontainer having a pop top easy open lid accessible after the childresistant lid is opened.

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of another alternate embodiment ofthe re-sealable container having a child resistant lid on a container.

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of the top of a conventional can withpop top opener and the 2-piece lid securing unit in place on top of there-sealable container.

FIG. 17 depicts a bottom perspective view of the assembled childresistant lid with the 2-piece lid securing unit in place, in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 18 depicts a bottom plan view of the child resistant lid.

FIG. 19 depicts a cross section of the assembled child resistant lid.

FIG. 20 depicts a cross section of the assembled child resistant lid,illustrating the location of the indicator section on the left side, inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 21 depicts a side view of a re-sealable container incorporating thechild resistant lid.

FIG. 22 depicts a top view of another alternate embodiment of the childresistant lid illustrating a vacuum sealing child resistant containerlid.

FIG. 23 depicts a bottom perspective view of the underside of the childresistant vacuum sealing container lid.

FIG. 24 depicts a top perspective view of the top surface of there-sealable container showing a child resistant vacuum sealing lid onthe container.

FIG. 25 illustrates a flow chart of the first three steps, Step 1, Step2 and Step 3 in the process of filling a re-sealable container for thestorage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of afederally controlled substance.

FIG. 26 illustrates a flow chart of the last two steps in the processfor the storage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport ofa federally controlled substance, namely, outlining four methodscarrying out Step 4 of removing the oxygen from the container before there-sealable container is hermetically sealed.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the containerand process for the storage, preservation, identification, tracking andtransport of a federally controlled substance, reference should be hadto the following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of thisspecification, illustrate embodiments of the process together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of this application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts of the re-sealablecontainer and process of containing a controlled substance forpreservation and identification is illustrated there is seen in FIG. 1 aperspective view of a conventional pop-top can assembly 10A cut awayillustrating the internal microchip 12A in the container with thecontrolled substance 18 at the bottom of the container 16A. Thecontrolled substance 18 has a 2-way humidly control device 20 on the topportion of the container positioned between the easy open pop top lid 30and the controlled substance 18, also illustrating to removed plasticlid 22 above the container 16A. The container 16A will consist of aconventional pressed formed metal can without a crimped edge on thecontainer bottom edge 24. The container 16A will have a label 26 wherean external odor substance 28A can be located, or the external odorsubstance 28B can be adhered to the outside surface of the container16A. The process of storing the controlled substance in an inertatmosphere is optional at this time. A tamper resistant easy open lid30, possibly configured in any of numerous configurations, here shown asa pop-top lid 30 with an opening tab 32, which will be sealed to thecontainer top edge 34 of container 16A.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a disc-shaped 2-way humiditycontrol device 20. The 2-way humidity control device 20 will have aplurality of holes 21 in the top and bottom of the device. 2-wayhumidity control devices are readily available. Some of the top brandsinclude Boveda, Integra Boost, Humi Flow, D'Addario and Supra-dri, toname a few off the shelf 2-way humidity control packet devices. These2-way humidity control devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes andcan be custom made to control the humidity to within tight percentages,for example between 48% and 52% relative humidity. These 2-way humiditycontrol devices are commonly used to maintain humidity for tobaccoproducts, etc. The anticipated 2-way humidity control devices used inthe present invention are disc-shaped and pillow shaped (see FIGS. 4 and8 below). The optimal humidity level for each controlled substancevaries. The 2-way humidity control devices are inserted into there-sealable container for a controlled substance to maintain thehumidity therein at an optimal level for each controlled substancecontained.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a re-sealable tamper resistant easyopen container 10B for a controlled substance, configured to contain acontrolled substance 18 and to enable identification of the internalsealed contents of such a re-sealable container 10B using a standardlabel 26 affixed to the outside surface of the re-sealable container10B. This cut away view illustrates the re-sealable container 10B filledwith the controlled substance 18 and having a plastic lid 22 abovecontainer 16A. After the re-sealable container 10B is opened, by removalof easy open lid 30 by pulling on tab 32, the plastic lid 22 can then beplaced on the top of the open container 16A.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a tamper resistant easy opencontainer 10C configured to contain a controlled substance 18 and enableidentification of the internal contents using a label 26 having abarcode 40 thereon. Re-sealable container 10C has been cut awayillustrating the controlled substance 18 on the bottom of the container16A with a pillow-shaped 2-way humidity control device placed on top ofthe controlled substance 18. The plastic lid 22 above the container 16Acan be used to re-seal the container after it has been opened byremoving the pop top easy open lid 30.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a re-sealable container 10D havingtamper resistant easy open lid 30, with a pull tab 32. This re-sealablecontainer 10D is an unlined metal can 16A for containing a controlledsubstance. The standard label 26 will enable identification of theinternal contents of such container 10D. This cut away view illustratesthe controlled substance 18 on the bottom of the container 16A with anorganic (paper, cloth or rice cake) liner 23 inserted between thecontrolled substance 18 and the metal can 16A such that the controlledsubstance does not come in direct contact with the metal can container16A. In this way, a container having no pre-coated liner, such as anenamel lining, can be used. This represents a significant cost savingsas unlined metal can are very inexpensive, and organic (paper, cloth orrice cake) liners are also inexpensive.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a re-sealable container 10 e havingtamper resistant easy open lid 30, with a pull tab 32. This re-sealablecontainer 10E is a lined metal can 16A for containing a controlledsubstance. The standard label 26 will enable identification of theinternal contents of such container 10D. This cut away view illustratesthe controlled substance 18 on the bottom of the container 16A with anenamel liner 42 coating the entire inner surface of the metal container16A such that the controlled substance does not come in direct contactwith the metal can when inside the container 16A. Alternatively, asealed bag may be used within the container to accomplish the same goalof keeping the controlled substance from direct contact with the metalcan.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a re-sealable container 10G havinga tamper resistant easy open lid 30 and pull tab 32. Re-sealablecontainer 10G has two ways of identifying and tracking the contents ofthe container: (1) adhered to a standard label 26 is a 2-factorauthentication system 43; and (2) an external microchip 12B secured by aplastic removable locking ring 44 over the plastic lid 22 and the topedge 34 of the container 16A. The microchip 12B is electronicallyreadable and can be used to track the container.

The 2-factor authentication and identification (ID) tag 43 containsthree elements for positively identifying the container and itscontents. These three factors include a QR code 54, a serial number 52and a unique image 56 comprising a shape symbol (here a shield shape)having random three dimensional (3D) structures in each symbol formingan irreproducible holographic fingerprint. The QR code is readable byelectronic means and can reveal the container contents and other datasuch as source, date, brand, origin, etc. of the container contents. Amodel for the preferred system and method of authentication is coveredin US pending patent application publication US 2017/0286974 A1,Applicant Authentic Vision GMBH, by inventors Thomas Weiss and ThomasBergmüller. Electronic reading of the ID tag 43 authenticates andverifies the contents and reveals other relevant data about thosecontents. The re-sealable container 10F could also be tamper proof andconfigured to contain a controlled substance and enable identificationas well as tracking of the internal contents of such a re-sealablecontainer 10F with the plastic removable locking ring 44 over theplastic lid 22 and the top edge 34 of the container 16A incorporatingthe external microchip 12B. Using both of these methods together act asredundant ID systems.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross section of re-sealable container 10F additionallyhaving a pillow-shaped 2-way humidity control device 25 placed withinthe container with the controlled substance therein. This three-parttamper resistant lid 22 easy open container 10G is configured to containa controlled substance and enable identification of the internalcontents using the methods described for FIG. 7 (unique ID tag 43 andmicrochip 12A not shown). Such re-sealable container 10G has a crimpededge 46 on the container bottom edge 48 as well as a crimped edge 34 onthe container top edge.

FIG. 9 depicts the preferred embodiment of the re-sealable container fora controlled substance with a child resistant (and senior friendly) canlid 110A. There is seen in FIG. 9 a cross section view of the upperportion of a re-sealable container 10A illustrating the preferredembodiment of the child resistant can lid indicating the lid 112 with acontoured surface 114 to secure additional cans for stacking. A lockinginner ring 116 of the lid 112 engages within the external locking trough118 in the circumference of the can locking member 120 with a reliefarea 122 to access the nib section 124 of the lid 112 for the removal ofthe lid 112 when an upward pressure is applied at the lifting indicatorsection 126. The top surface 128 of the can locking member 120 rests onthe rim 130 of the can 132 and is held in place by the upper surface 134of the external locking trough 118. A series of restraining teeth 136around the lower inner surface of the of the can locking member 120 arebent up when the when the locking member 120 is forced over the top rim130 of the can 132 to engage under the lip of the can 130.

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of two stacked re-sealable containers 132with the lower container 132 having the two sections of the liftingindicator section 126, the upper lifting indicator section 126A and thelower lifting indicator section 126B merged together in the openingposition. The lower can has the lid 112 rotated so that indicatorsection 126A is moved to the right putting the lid 112 in the locking orlocked position.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the re-sealable container 110Bconstructed of a conventional metal can 132 incorporating an alternateembodiment of the child resistant (and senior friendly) can lid 110B.

FIG. 12 depicts a cross section through the assembled alternateembodiment of the child resistant can lid 110B with the conventional can132 having a locking nib 124 and the can locking member 120 with theaddition of a securing unit 138.

FIG. 13 depicts a bottom perspective bottom view of another alternateembodiment of the top piece of a two-piece child resistant can lid 110Clid 112 illustrating the upper lifting indicator section 126A.

FIG. 14 depicts a top perspective view of the re-sealable containerconstructed from a conventional metal can 132 with an easy open“pop-top” opener 142 and the securing unit 138 in place, having numerousteeth 140.

FIG. 15 depicts a re-sealable container 110F in a top perspective viewillustrating an alternate embodiment of the child resistant (and seniorfriendly) can lid 112 positioned on top of the container 110F and fullyassembled and mounted on the container 110F with the lid 112 on aconventional can type of container 132.

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of the top of a conventional can 132with pop-top opener 142 and the securing unit with the tops of the 124wedge teeth 140 in can locking member 120.

FIG. 17 depicts a bottom view of an assembled alternate embodiment ofthe child resistant (and senior friendly) can lid for use on re-sealablecontainer 110F with the securing unit 138 illustrating the 124restraining teeth 136 and the 124 wedge teeth 140.

FIG. 18 depicts a bottom view of an assembled alternate embodiment ofthe child resistant (and senior friendly) can lid for use on re-sealablecontainer 110F illustrating the location of the wedge teeth 140.

FIG. 19 depicts a cross section of the assembled an assembled alternateembodiment of the child resistant (and senior friendly) can lid for useon re-sealable container 110F showing the lid 112, the can lockingmember 120 and the restraining teeth 136.

FIG. 20 depicts a cross section of the assembled an assembled alternateembodiment of the child resistant (and senior friendly) can lid for useon re-sealable container 110F illustrating the location of the indicatorsection 126 on the left side.

FIG. 21 depicts a cross section of the assembled an assembled alternateembodiment of the child resistant (and senior friendly) can lid for useon re-sealable container 110F illustrating the indicator section 126merged into the opening or unlocked position, ready to be opened.

FIG. 22 depicts a top view of an assembled alternate embodiment of thechild resistant (and senior friendly) can lid for use on re-sealablecontainer 110G illustrating the configuration of a vacuum sealing lid182 having an upper lifting indicator section 126A.

FIG. 23 depicts a bottom perspective view of a vacuum sealing lid 182with a rubber sealant coating 184 applied to the lid inner surface 186,with the vacuum sealing can locking member 188 having the rubber sealant190 applied on the inner surface of the edge 192. The inner surface ofthe vacuum sealing can locking member 188 has a plurality of restrainingteeth 136 on the lower edge 192 and a plurality of upper supportingteeth 194 on the upper edge 196.

FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of the top surface of the vacuumsealing lid 182 mounted on a re-sealable container for controlledsubstances, here incorporated onto a conventional metal can 132. It isalso anticipated that the re-sealable container could be constructed ofthermoplastics. Plastic containers may be coated or uncoated, lined orunlined.

Example of Use of the Re-Sealable Container

Small quantity usage is pervasive in federally controlled substances ofall kinds. Because of the varying availability of packaging sizes,consumers are able to only open and expose small amounts of product at atime, thus eliminating the exposure of the product inside to theelements. This allows the consumer to keep and store their products forlonger periods of time instead of utilizing them in a shorter period oftime because of the shorter shelf life of exposed product. For example,with Marijuana: An eighth of an ounce of marijuana fits neatly into anitrogen packed container, which is approximately the same size as atypical container of chewing tobacco. A plastic over cap is applied tothe containers. Four of these containers can be stacked and heldtogether by a plastic shrink sleeve if desired. While the total amountof Marijuana in possession (in those US states which have legalized it)is currently ½ ounce, only a ⅛^(th) ounce is exposed to the elements atany given time. The other ⅜^(th) ounce is sealed and stored tightly inthe remaining containers, and stays as fresh as when it was firstintroduced into the containers for storage and preservation. Allre-sealable containers for a controlled substance will come with a pulltop tamper resistant lid below a child resistant lid affixed to the topof the container. These re-sealable containers may be made of metal orplastic, coated or uncoated, lined or unlined. Organic (paper, cloth orrice cake) liner inserts and or resealable bags may also be used.

Example of the Canning Process

FIG. 25 illustrates a flow chart of the first three steps in the process150 for the storage, preservation, identification, tracking andtransport of a federally controlled substance. Step 1 152 includes theproper size container is selected to store the marijuana, a containerthat fits the portion to be processed. The container can be a metal/tincan with a vinyl or enamel coating inside. A coated container ispreferred. This coating will shield the product from coming in contactwith the bare metal of the can and possibly reacting with the metal. Theoutside of the container could be coated with either a vinyl or an epoxyto prevent rust. An organic (paper, cloth or rice cake) liner insert maybe used with unlined metal cans.

A plastic lined can is preferred, to include but not limited to aplastic lining or coating on the inside of the can to protect theproduct from coming in contact with bare metal/tin and causing areaction, for example, transfer of a metallic taste to the productand/or having moist product coming in direct contact with any metalmaterial. Furthermore, when plastic containers are used, it is preferredto use bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) freeplastic materials making up the container. BPA is found in polycarbonateplastics and resin that store foods and beverages, such as waterbottles. Scientific studies indicate that BPA may act as an endocrinedisruptor in the human body. BPS is a common replacement for BPA inplastics, and it too, has been linked to health risks. BPF is a BPAsubstitute that has been shown to act as an endocrine disruptor, in asimilar manner as BPA.

Step 2 154 includes a plastic lining or insert can be installed, thiscoating or lining will shield against the product coming in contact withthe bare metal of the can, and possibly reacting with the metal.Containers can also be made of composite material, (a composite can), aplastic can, a plastic pail or a plastic bucket.

Step 3 156 includes the product, (in this example, marijuana), is thenweighed and placed in the can, or weighed in the can, (minus the tareweight of the can).

FIG. 26 illustrates a flow chart of the last two steps in the process150 for the storage, preservation, identification, tracking andtransport of a federally controlled substance. Here again, Step 3 156includes the product (for example marijuana), is then weighed and placedin the can, or weighed in the can, (minus the tare weight of the can).Following Step 3 156, Step 4 158 includes the can or container is nowrun through a process to remove the oxygen from the container. This isaccomplished through the use of inert gases, to include but not limitedto the insertion of liquid or gaseous inert gases, i.e. nitrogen, carbondioxide, helium, etc., to create a benign, dry, non-reactive atmosphereinside the can to stabilize and preserve the product.

This is achieved in one of four alternative method steps as describedbelow:

Method Step 4A 160 includes removing the oxygen by having thecan/container pass under a system that injects inert liquid gas(nitrogen preferred). The liquid is cold and dense. It immediatelybegins to gasify, thus displacing the atmospheric oxygen from thecan/container. Before the gasification is complete, the can is sealedwith a “pop top” lid and a seam is completed, leaving a nitrogenatmosphere inside the can/container.

This process can also be achieved by Step 4B 162 by placing the can, orcans, or containers, in a vacuum chamber, evacuating the chamber andthen flooding the chamber with gaseous nitrogen or any inert gas, thenquickly sealing (seaming) the cans before the colder dense gas warms andtries to escape.

A third method of replacing the oxygen is shown in Step 4C 164 which isto allow the filled cans to pass under a free falling, free flowingstream of nitrogen as it travels to the machine to be lidded and seamed.In lieu of injecting a measured quantity of liquid nitrogen in to thecan as it moves toward the lidder/seamer, it is now replaced with justpassing under a falling stream of cold, dense nitrogen. This achieves anoxygen removal displacement. This method is effective but allows much ofthe nitrogen to be wasted in the surrounding area.

A fourth method, as illustrated in Step 4D 166 would be to place anoxygen absorber packet inside the can prior to lidding. This will turnthe available oxygen inside the can into iron oxide, thus effectivelyremoving the oxygen in the can/container.

In summary, there are four basic configurations in which the federallycontrolled substances could be canned, (1) canned within a linedre-sealable container, loosely alone with no insert; (2) canned within alined re-sealable container with a 2-way humidity control deviceinserted; (3) canned with an unlined can having an organic (paper, clothor rice cake) insert, and (4) canned with an unlined can having anorganic (paper, cloth or rice cake) insert, and additionally having a2-way humidity control device inserted. Alternatively, the contents maybe pre-packaged in a sealed plastic bag or foil envelope. Finally, bulkamounts of controlled substances could be stored and transported inlarge sealed re-sealable containers such as polymer pails, with andwithout 2-way humidity control devices and with or without organic(paper, cloth or rice cake) inserts.

Furthermore, in summary, in the process of canning the federallycontrolled substances for long term storage and maximized preservation,the oxygen is removed from the container during the process in one offour ways: (1) injection into the container of inert gas before sealingthe container; (2) flooding the container with inert gas before sealingthe container; (3) passing the container under a free flowing stream ofinert gas before sealing the container; and (4) addition of an oxygenabsorber packet into the container before sealing the container.

Moreover, it is anticipated that many other federally controlledsubstances such as pharmaceuticals will be stored, preserved,identified, tracked and transported using the present invention andinventive method. This is to include but not limited to using the sameprocess for other drugs, pills, powders, and liquids to stabilize andpreserve, giving them a longer shelf life, as some medications degraderapidly in the presence of atmospheric moisture, oxygen, and light. Thisprocess is to include possible refrigeration of the cans to slowdegradation of the products inside, in some cases even freezing thecanned product. In the case of marijuana, low temperatures aredesirable, but freezing will harm the product. It is also anticipatedthat sublimation or “freeze-drying” may be employed with a variety ofcontrolled substances that do not lose potency when freeze-dry processesare used. Sublimation is another method of stabilizing controlledsubstance products. If done correctly, the moisture of the productinside the container is removed and the natural breakdown or degradationof the container contents is arrested. This prevents the need for addingchemical preservatives and it makes refrigeration optional.

In addition, the present invention is directed at solving problems inscent detection and/or scent suppression for containers of federallycontrolled substances. Depending on the desired situation, when properlyfilled, no marijuana is allowed to come in contact with the outside ofthe container, and when properly sealed, the product cannot be detectedby drug-sniffing dogs. If detection is desired, the container simplyneeds to come in contact with the marijuana on the outside of thecontainer. The scent lingers and drug sniffing dogs can detect/locatethe product. Alternatively, the previously described label having anodor adhered portion can be employed to enhance the detection of thefederally controlled substance contents within the container so labeled.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the USPatent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application. The abstract is neither intended to define theinvention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is itintended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

We claim:
 1. A container for storage, preservation, identification andtracking of a government regulated product comprising: (a) a one ormore-piece container having an outer portion having an exterior surfaceand an inner portion having an interior surface, an upper portion and alower portion, configured for containing a government regulated product;(b) a child resistant lid affixed to said upper portion of saidcontainer; and (c) identifying indicia including an electronicallyreadable identification tag located on the outer portion exteriorsurface of said container, for identifying and tracking the containedgovernment regulated product contents within said container; whereinsaid container configured for containing a government regulated productis securely re-sealable using said child resistant lid, after the sealedcontainer is opened to access the government regulated product withinsaid container.
 2. The container for storage, preservation,identification and tracking of a government regulated product accordingto claim 1, wherein a one-piece tamper resistant lid is affixed to saidupper portion of said container directly below said child resistant lidand said one-piece tamper resistant lid includes a pop-top one-piecetamper resistant easy open lid with a pull tab.
 3. The container forstorage, preservation, identification and tracking of a governmentregulated product according to claim 1, wherein an odor from thegovernment regulated product is on the container as a result of thecontainer being filled with the government regulated product wherein theodor allows government agencies, detection-trained dogs, and others todetect the presence of the government regulated product contentscontained therein.
 4. The container for storage, preservation,identification and tracking of a government regulated product accordingto claim 1, wherein said identifying indicia is located on said outerportion of said container and comprises an electronically readablemicrochip, enabling tracking and identification of the re-sealablecontainer contents.
 5. The container for storage, preservation,identification and tracking of a government regulated product accordingto claim 1, wherein said identifying indicia is an electronicallyreadable 2-factor authentication identification tag.
 6. The containerfor storage, preservation, identification and tracking of a governmentregulated product according to claim 5, wherein said electronicallyreadable 2-factor authentication identification tag further includes aQR code, a serial number and a random shaped holographic symbol havingrandom three-dimensional (3D) holographic structures in each randomshaped holographic symbol, forming an irreproducible holographicfingerprint.
 7. The container for storage, preservation, identificationand tracking of a government regulated product according to claim 1,wherein said child resistant lid includes: a contoured upper surface tosecure additional cans for stacking; a locking inner ring having aplurality of restraining teeth which engage with an external lockingtrough located on the circumference of a locking member having a reliefarea to access a nib section; and an indicator section having an upperindicator section and a lower indicator section, which when alignedallow opening of the container, but when not aligned lock the container;wherein removal of the lid is accomplished when an upward pressure isapplied by lifting said upper indicator section when said upperindicator section and said lower indicator section are aligned.
 8. Amethod for making a container for the storage, preservation,identification and tracking of a government regulated product,comprising the steps of: (a) providing a one or more-piece containerhaving an outer portion having an exterior surface and an inner portionhaving an interior surface, an upper portion and a lower portion,configured for containing a government regulated product; (b) affixing achild resistant lid to said upper portion of said container; and (c)applying identifying indicia to the outer portion exterior surface ofsaid container, for identifying and tracking the contained governmentregulated product within said container; wherein said container issecurely re-sealable using said child resistant lid, after the containeris opened to access the government regulated product within saidcontainer.
 9. The method for making a container for storage,preservation, identification and tracking of a government regulatedproduct according to claim 8, wherein a one-piece tamper resistant lidis affixed to said upper portion of said container directly below are-sealable two-piece child resistant lid and said one-piece tamperresistant lid includes a pop-top one-piece tamper resistant easy openlid with a pull tab.
 10. The method for making a container for storage,preservation, identification and tracking of a government regulatedproduct according to claim 8, wherein an external odor from a governmentregulated product adheres to the container as a result of the governmentregulated product filling process, wherein said odor allows governmentagencies, detection-trained dogs, and others to detect the presence ofthe government regulated product contents contained therein.
 11. Themethod for making a container for storage, preservation, identificationand tracking of a government regulated product according to claim 8,wherein said identifying indicia is an electronically readablemicrochip.
 12. The method for making a container for storage,preservation, identification and tracking of a government regulatedproduct according to claim 8, wherein said identifying indicia is anelectronically readable authentication identification tag.
 13. Themethod for making a container for storage, preservation, identificationand tracking of a government regulated product according to claim 12,wherein said electronically readable authentication identification tagincludes a QR code.
 14. The method for making a container for storage,preservation, identification and tracking of a government regulatedproduct according to claim 12, wherein said electronically readableauthentication identification tag includes a serial number.
 15. Themethod for making a container for storage, preservation, identificationand tracking of a government regulated product according to claim 12,wherein said electronically readable authentication identification tagincludes a random shaped holographic symbol having randomthree-dimensional (3D) holographic structures in each random shapedholographic symbol, forming an irreproducible holographic fingerprint.16. A container for storage, preservation, identification and trackingof a government regulated product comprising: (a) a one or more-piececontainer having an outer portion having an exterior surface and aninner portion having an interior surface, an upper portion and a lowerportion, configured for containing a government regulated product; (b) achild resistant lid affixed to said upper portion of said container; and(c) identifying indicia located on the container for identifying andtracking the contained government regulated product within saidcontainer; wherein said container configured for containing a governmentregulated product is securely re-sealable using said child resistantlid, after the sealed container is opened to access the governmentregulated product within said container.
 17. The container for storage,preservation, identification and tracking of a government regulatedproduct according to claim 16, wherein a one-piece tamper resistant lidis affixed to said upper portion of said container directly below saidchild resistant lid and said one-piece tamper resistant lid includes apop-top one-piece tamper resistant easy open lid with a pull tab. 18.The container for storage, preservation, identification and tracking ofa government regulated product according to claim 16, wherein an odorfrom the government regulated product is found on the container as aresult of the container being filled with the government regulatedproduct, wherein the odor allows government agencies, detection-traineddogs, and others to detect the presence of the government regulatedproduct contained therein.
 19. The container for storage, preservation,identification and tracking of a government regulated product accordingto claim 16, wherein said identifying indicia is located on said outerportion of said container and comprises an electronically readablemicrochip, enabling tracking and identification of the containercontents.
 20. The container for storage, preservation, identificationand tracking of a government regulated product according to claim 16,wherein said identifying indicia is an electronically readableauthentication identification tag.
 21. The container for storage,preservation, identification and tracking of a government regulatedproduct according to claim 20, wherein said electronically readableauthentication identification tag further includes a QR code.
 22. Thecontainer for storage, preservation, identification and tracking of agovernment regulated product according to claim 20, wherein saidelectronically readable authentication identification tag furtherincludes a serial number.
 23. The container for storage, preservation,identification and tracking of a government regulated product accordingto claim 20, wherein said electronically readable authenticationidentification tag further includes a random shaped holographic symbolhaving random three-dimensional (3D) holographic structures in eachrandom shaped holographic symbol, forming an irreproducible holographicfingerprint.